Chongqing - Chongqing's Ziwei Road, once a fading neighborhood, has spectacularly reinvented itself as a beacon of fashion and modernity, thanks to urban revitalization efforts. It now stands in harmony with international styles, especially during the holiday season, transforming into a wonderland of festive lights and joy. This transformation is part of Chongqing's broader initiative to establish itself as an international consumption center, blending modernity with tradition and creating a lively tapestry of cultural interplay and festive celebration.
Festive Christmas lights illuminating Ziwei Road (Photo/Li Xinyi)
The road's allure extends beyond its visual appeal, with its eclectic array of cafes and pubs becoming gathering places for friends and families. These establishments, buzzing with conversation and laughter, contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the street's festive atmosphere. Ziwei Road is more than a thoroughfare; it's a canvas for self-expression and a social haven reflecting contemporary tastes and lifestyles. During the festive season, its spirited atmosphere makes it a favored destination for young people to revel in the celebrations.
Charming Christmas bear decorations adorning a shop's entrance on Ziwei Road (Photo/Li Xinyi)
As dusk descends, the enchanting glow of festive lights bathes Ziwei Road in a wonderland of joy. Once a fading neighborhood, it has reinvented itself as a beacon of fashion and modernity, harmonizing with international styles while basking in the merry atmosphere of the holiday.
Enchanting Christmas ambiance at a Ziwei Road shop's entrance (Photo/Li Xinyi)
Glass and Plate, a standout Western-style bar on Ziwei Road, has become a symbol of Christmas spirit and cultural integration. Its spacious and artistically crafted interiors are meticulously decorated to reflect the holiday season's charm. The centerpiece of this festive haven is a striking three-meter-tall Santa Claus, skillfully designed in the style of Zigong lanterns, a celebrated intangible cultural heritage. This distinctive Santa represents the bar's commitment to blending diverse cultures and showcasing artistic creativity.
The majestic three-meter-tall Santa Claus, crafted from Zigong lanterns, is an intangible cultural heritage at Glass and Plate (Photo/Li Xinyi)
The bar's holiday decorations go beyond mere aesthetics; it is a narrative of cultural amalgamation and joyous celebration. Each corner of Glass and Plate is infused with a festive ambiance, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in a unique Christmas experience that combines Western traditions with local Chinese elements.
Festive Christmas ambiance at Glass and Plate (Photo/Li Xinyi)
This approach to holiday decoration at Glass and Plate reflects the broader transformation of Ziwei Road. Numerous establishments have embraced the festive spirit here, each adding flavor to the Christmas celebrations. These businesses, ranging from quaint cafes to bustling pubs, contribute to Ziwei Road's vibrant atmosphere, making it a lively hub for cultural exchange and festive merriment. This reinvention of Ziwei Road symbolizes the area's remarkable resurgence as a center of cultural interaction and celebration, particularly during the Christmas season, further enhancing Chongqing's reputation as a burgeoning international consumption center.
(Cheng Jialu, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)